Dumfries and Galloway community council wants national conference to tackle seagull problem

A Dumfries community council is going national in a bid to clip the wings of marauding seagulls.

Loreburn is calling for a national conference of all communities affected by the divebombing pests.

It’s hoped if the Scotland-wide initiative flies, a common solution could be found for beleaguered towns across the country.

Loreburn members recently surveyed residents in and around Dumfries town centre on how best to tackle the problem.

And a Facebook page - LCC Gull Watch - has been set up to record incidents and discuss solutions with the public. The community council called for a national approach in recognition that gulls are attacking adults, children and pets in towns up and down the coast.

Peter Kormylo, of Loreburn Community Council, said: “The solution is not simple, but solutions could be forthcoming if more councils got together and formed a national think-tank.

“We know people in some other coastal towns that are absolutely up in arms about the gull infestation.

“For us, there would be a benefit in having a national gull conference. That’s our ultimate aim at the moment.

“People from Dumfries, Largs, Stranraer and up the east coast. Not just to hear complaints — as they’ll all be very similar to ours — but to find solutions.”

Loreburn was one of four community councils who responded to the council’s recent gull management survey, which sought feedback on possible options for tackling the nuisance gulls.

Loreburn chairperson Anne Lindsay acknowledged that the gulls issue is very divisive, with some people calling for a cull and others demanding the birds are protected.

She said: “We understand that this is life and gulls are a natural part of the area. We’re not thinking about eliminating them from the face of the earth.

“But there has to be a solution which recognises the rights of human beings to live in peace, and to use their gardens and local parks without being
attacked.”

Peter Kormylo added: “As a community council, our message is to preserve human health and safety.

“That is it. Top of the line — human health and safety. At the moment the urban gull is impacting on our human health, our safety, and the safety of our children, our relatives, and visitors to the town.

“When the gulls return — and they will be coming back — because it’s a cyclical visit from them, all of this will happen again.

“It goes on and on. The Scottish Government has a moral duty to investigate this, and the reason they’re not doing it is because not enough of us are united.

“Not enough towns are united in this campaign.”